WHIZ KID OF THE WEEK: Rebecca Gillespie

Whiz Kid's Name: Rebecca Gillespie

Whiz Kid's Age: 15

School: Pikesville High School

Whiz Kid's Key to Awesomeness: She will spend a good chunk of her summer teaching kids how to play tennis at the Baltimore Fitness and Tennis Club. 

The Pikesville freshman had a big season for the Panthers, as she finished with an 11-2 record in singles (she played No. 1 singles for the Pikesville girls).

But she loves working with kids, and Gillespie will be able to do that while remaining on the court.

This summer she'll help children ages 6-10 improve their tennis game. She'll work at the Baltimore Fitness and Tennis Club in Pikesville, sometimes up to 40 hours a week at different times throughout the summer.

It was a job that has been a good experience.

"She did it last year and really liked it," said her father, Vernon Gillespie.

Rebecca is very enthusiastic about working with the children and teaching them about the sport she loves.

"I love it," Gillespie said. "I get so much enjoyment out of it because I like it. They are trying to learn it, and because I play the sport, I have a certain connection with them."

Because she is already familiar with the people at the club, she said she will be comfortable teaching there.

"Everyone at the club is really nice," Gillespie said. "I really feel like I'm helping them enjoy their summer more and making friends with them, too."